You trekked down to the beach, hauled your gear, and staked out the perfect spot. Why not save it in style? Beach sheets – say that five times fast – are the cooler, bigger cousin to bulky terry-cloth towels. Even cooler? Beach Road Designs’ colorful products (and its name) are inspired by one of the Vineyard’s most picturesque drives.

Owners Colleen and Brad Riedl said they came up with the concept for machine washable, compact blankets that fit easily in your beach bag while on the ferry to the Island. We think the large size of the sheets – perfect for maximizing your personal space – may have something to do with how crowded State Beach can be in August. The sheets are currently sold in three patterns (anchors, pineapples, and seahorses), in a spectrum of bright colors. Three new designs are also in the works: lobsters (very Vineyard), crabs (sort of Vineyard), and flamingos (not so much). Pick one up at Katama General Store in Edgartown or at the Beach House in Vineyard Haven, or order one online for $49 at beach-road-designs.com.